JP6997448B2 - Packaging machine and packaging method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a wrapping machine and a wrapping method, and more particularly to a transport control of a wrapping film.

For example, in a horizontal pillow wrapping machine, a strip-shaped wrapping film wound on a roll of raw fabric is continuously supplied to a bag making machine, and when the film is passed through the bag making machine, the bag is made into a cylinder. Then, the center sealing device arranged on the downstream side of the bag making device seals the film polymerized ends that are laminated in a tubular shape through the bag making device. This seal forms a tubular film. Further, a product transporting / supplying device is arranged on the upstream side of the bag making device, and products transported from the product transporting / supplying device at predetermined intervals are supplied into the bag making device. As a result, when the product passes through the bag making device, it is stored in the tubular packaging film at predetermined intervals, and the product is conveyed together with the tubular packaging film. Then, a pillow package containing the product is manufactured by sealing and cutting the tubular film so as to cross the tubular film in the lateral direction at predetermined intervals with a top sealing device arranged on the carry-out side of the pillow packaging machine. To.

By the way, when the packaging body is finally manufactured, a predetermined design or the like is printed on the packaging film at a predetermined pitch for the reason of exerting the display effect of the packaging body. Therefore, when operating the wrapping machine, each design applied to the wrapping film is conveyed on the wrapping machine body while maintaining a predetermined positional relationship with the product, and in the top seal device, between the front and rear products. It is necessary to seal and cut the film part.

When performing such control, for example, marks formed at predetermined pitches on the side edges of the packaging film are detected, and the operation of each device is controlled based on the marks. For example, a sensor for detecting the mark is installed at a predetermined position of the film transport path in the film supply device that continuously supplies the packaging film to the bag making machine. Since the moving distance of the packaging film from the installation position of the sensor to the bag making device is fixed and known in advance, if the transport speed of the packaging film is constant, the mark will be produced after the sensor detects the mark. The time t0 required to reach the bag can be obtained. For example, when the mark is printed on the part to be sealed and cut by the top sealing device of the packaging film, the film part with the mark is supplied to the bag making device when the time t0 elapses after the mark is detected by the sensor. Therefore, by supplying the product into the bag making machine with a predetermined time delay from the time t0, the design and the product can be in a desired positional relationship.

Similarly, the moving distance of the packaging film from the sensor installation position to the top sealing device is fixed and known in advance, so if the film transport speed is constant, the mark will be the top after the sensor detects the mark. The time t1 required to reach the sealing device can be obtained. Therefore, for example, when a mark is formed at the cut position of the film in the top sealing device, the top sealers in the top sealing device come into contact with each other and sandwich the film when a time t1 has elapsed after the mark is detected by the sensor. By controlling the operation of the top seal device so as to cut with, the top seal device suppresses the biting of the product, and the design is positioned at the desired position in the package.

The synchronization / control of each of the above-mentioned devices is performed based on the mark detection signal output from one sensor provided at a predetermined position on the upstream side of the supply path of the packaging film. In the above example, the speed of the wrapping film is kept constant, but there are some that control the speed of the wrapping film according to the operation of a device / device such as a top seal device. As a technique of this kind, for example, there is an invention disclosed in Patent Document 1.

In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, for example, the film is not conveyed as ideal due to slippage caused by a roller for conveying the film, the film is slightly stretched during movement, and the time after detecting the sensor due to other causes. It may not be positioned in the end-sealing device after only t1 has elapsed, and it may not be possible to seal / cut a part of the correct film. In order to solve the problem, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 and the like.

In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, a sensor for detecting a mark is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the upstream side of a cutter device (die roll cutter), and a correction amount based on the deviation of the mark pitch is obtained from this detection signal and cut. I try to make the position correct.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-263110 JP-A-2004-338716

Even when the film is cut by the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, the mark of the state of the tubular film is detected, so that the film is not stable and the actual cut position may shift. For example, the film surface of the tubular film is wavy at the time of top sealing, and it is difficult to detect it accurately. There is a risk of misalignment when cutting the tubular film, and it cannot be detected properly.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the wrapping machine of the present invention has (1) a means of wrapping an article with a strip-shaped wrapping film that is continuously conveyed, and a direction that intersects the conveying direction of the wrapped wrapping film. A top-sealing device for manufacturing a package by sealing and cutting is provided, and the packaging film is provided with a printing pattern at predetermined intervals on a film portion other than the top-sealing portion sealed by the top-sealing device. Based on the position of the print pattern of the package in the image data obtained by photographing the package manufactured by sealing and cutting, the package is sealed and cut after the photographed package. It has a function of correcting the cut position at the time of sealing and cutting so that the printed pattern comes to a predetermined position of the package when the package to be manufactured is manufactured .

For example, the elongation rate of the packaging film tends to increase continuously and gradually as the winding diameter decreases with the operation of the packaging machine, and when the packaging film supplied during continuous operation is switched, the elongation rate becomes discontinuous. Change. When the elongation rate changes, it accumulates as a cumulative error as it is, the cut position of the film changes according to the control content set at the beginning of operation, and the printed pattern in the manufactured package becomes a misaligned state. In the present invention, the position of the print pattern on the package is accurately measured by photographing the package whose shape is fixed, and if the position shift occurs, correction processing is performed to eliminate the position shift. .. As a result, the accuracy of the cut position can be improved, and the occurrence of defective products can be suppressed as much as possible.

(2) The correction of the cut position may be performed by obtaining the amount of deviation of the print pattern from the reference position and shifting the cut position to the opposite side by the same distance as the obtained amount of deviation. This is good because it can be corrected with simple control.

(3) The correction of the cut position may be performed every cycle for the package immediately after being carried out from the top seal device. By performing each cycle, even if the pattern is misaligned, it is within the range of a non-defective product, and the cut position can be corrected without generating a defective product.

(4) The packaging film is printed with a positioning mark different from the printing pattern at predetermined intervals, and has a function of controlling the cutting position based on the positioning mark. It is preferable to correct the cut position based on the image data for the control. By using the control of the cut position based on the positioning mark as a base, the correction amount based on the image can be reduced, and the smooth cut position can be controlled.

(5) In the wrapping method of the present invention, a step of wrapping an article with a strip-shaped wrapping film provided with a printing pattern at predetermined intervals and a seal cut in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the wrapped wrapping film. The printing pattern is provided on a film portion other than the top seal portion to be sealed at the time of sealing and cutting, and is manufactured by sealing and cutting. Based on the position of the pattern of the package in the image data obtained by photographing the package, the print pattern is produced when the package to be manufactured by sealing and cutting after the photographed package is manufactured. The seal cut so that the printed pattern comes to the predetermined position of the package when manufacturing the package to be manufactured by sealing and cutting after the photographed package so as to come to the predetermined position of the package. It is advisable to correct the cut position when doing so.

According to the present invention, image processing is performed on the manufactured package, and automatic cut position adjustment is controlled by feedback processing, thereby suppressing the occurrence of misalignment of the cut position and arranging the pattern at a desired position. The packaging can be manufactured.

It is a figure which shows an example of the packaging machine which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the positioning mark 30 and a packaging machine. It is a figure which shows the control system configuration. It is a figure which shows an example of a package. It is a figure explaining the action. It is a figure which shows an example of a package.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this and can be modified, modified or improved based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art as long as it does not deviate from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the packaging machine according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the wrapping machine is a horizontal pillow wrapping machine. This horizontal pillow wrapping machine is arranged on the upstream side of the wrapping machine main body 1, the film supply device 2 that continuously supplies a strip-shaped wrapping film to the wrapping machine main body 1, and the wrapping machine main body 1, and wraps the wrapping machine. It is provided with an article transporting and supplying device 4 that supplies articles 3 to the machine body 1 at predetermined intervals.

The film supply device 2 links the output of the first drive motor M1 to the original roll 6 in which the strip-shaped film 5 is wound into a roll, and packages the original roll 6 at a constant speed while appropriately controlling the rotation speed of the original roll 6. Supply to the machine body 1. As the first drive motor M1, for example, a speed-controllable motor such as a servo motor may be used. Although not shown, the film supply device 2 includes a winding diameter measuring device for measuring the winding diameter of the original roll 6, and sends the winding diameter obtained by the winding diameter measuring device to a control device 40 made of, for example, a PLC. The control device 40 obtains the rotation speed of the first drive motor M1 for transporting the strip-shaped film 5 at a preset transport speed based on the acquired winding diameter, and first issues a control command according to the obtained rotation speed. Output to the drive motor M1. The first drive motor M1 receives a control command from the control device 40, and as the winding diameter of the original roll 6 becomes smaller, the rotation speed of the first drive motor M1 is increased so that the strip-shaped film 5 is conveyed at a constant speed. Rotate.

Further, various rollers 7 (only one is shown as a representative in the figure) are arranged at predetermined positions from the raw roll 6 to the packaging machine main body 1, and the strip-shaped film 5 sent out from the raw roll 6 is provided. Is hung on the roller 7 and guided to the packaging machine main body 1 through a predetermined path. In the present invention, it is not always necessary to link the first drive motor M1 to the original roll 6, and a feed roller may be provided on the transport path of the packaging film and pulled out.

As shown in FIG. 2, a positioning mark 30 is printed on one side edge of the strip film 5 at a predetermined pitch P0. This predetermined pitch may be adjusted to, for example, the cut dimension, and the printing position of the positioning mark 30 may be formed, for example, at the film cut position. The film supply device 2 includes a mark detector 32 that detects the positioning mark 30. The mark detector 32 is installed in the middle of the transport path of the strip-shaped film 5 and detects the positioning mark 30 printed on the side edge of the strip-shaped film 5 at a predetermined pitch. When the positioning mark 30 is detected, the mark detector 32 is turned on. When it is not detected, it turns off. The ON / OFF IO data is given to the control device 40.

The article transport supply device 4 includes sprockets 9 arranged in the front-rear direction below the transport surface 8, endless chains 10 spanned over the plurality of sprockets 9, and a plurality of sprockets attached to the endless chains 10 at predetermined pitch intervals. It is composed of the push finger 11 of the above. One of the sprockets 9 arranged in the front-rear direction, for example, the one arranged at the front end in the transport direction of the article 3, is linked to a drive motor such as a servo motor (not shown), and receives the rotation of the drive motor. Rotationally driven. The push finger 11 moves forward with its tip 11a protruding upward from the transport surface 8. As a result, when the tip 11a of the push finger 11 abuts on the rear surface of the article 3, the article 3 also moves forward on the transport path as the push finger 11 moves. Further, when the push finger 11 reaches the carry-out end on the downstream side, it rotates and falls, the tip 11a is located below the transport surface 8, and the tip 11a revolves in a posture of facing downward.

The output of the second drive motor M2 is linked to the sprocket 9. The speed control for the second drive motor M2 is executed by a control command output from the control device 40 based on the detection signal from the mark detector 32. Basically, the strip-shaped film 5 is synchronized with the transport speed of the strip-shaped film 5 supplied to the packaging machine main body 1 continuously fed by the film supply device 2, and the strip-shaped film 5 is printed for one pitch (printing of a positioning mark serving as a positioning reference). While advancing (by pitch), the push finger 11 is controlled to advance by one pitch. The speed for one pitch may be a constant speed, or may be appropriately accelerated or decelerated within one pitch, but preferably, the speed is appropriately accelerated or decelerated, and the article 3 is carried out to carry out the packaging machine main body. When supplying to 1, it is preferable that the speed is the same as the transport speed of the strip film 5.

The packaging machine main body 1 includes a bag making device 15 that makes a bag of the supplied strip film 5 into a tubular film 14, a center sealing device 16 arranged on the downstream side of the bag making device 15, and a center sealing device 16 thereof. A belt conveyor 17 that conveys a tubular film 14 arranged on the downstream side of the belt conveyor 17, a top seal device 20 arranged on the downstream side of the belt conveyor 17, and a carry-out conveyor 18 arranged on the downstream side of the top seal device 20. The restraining belt 19 is provided above the belt conveyor 17 and immediately before the top sealing device 20.

The bag making device 15 allows the strip-shaped film 5 continuously supplied from the film supply device 2 to pass through the strip-shaped film 5 so that both side edge portions 5a of the strip-shaped film 5 come into contact with each other (polymerize) and become a tubular cylinder. The bag is made on the shape film 14. The bag making device 15 of the present embodiment is set so that the lower side is open and both side edge portions 5a of the strip-shaped film 5 are located on the lower side.

Further, the articles 3 sequentially supplied from the article transport supply device 4 to the packaging machine main body 1 are inserted into the bag making device 15. As a result, the articles 3 supplied to the bag making device 15 are arranged in the tubular film 14 at predetermined intervals. Further, since the article 3 is included in the tubular film 14 in this way, the belt conveyor 17 conveys the tubular film 14 containing the article 3.

The center sealing device 16 seals both side edge portions 5a of the laminated strip film 5. The center seal device 16 includes, for example, a pair of left and right bar sealers 16a, and a pair of left and right pinch rollers 16b and 16c are arranged before and after the pair of bar sealers 16a, respectively. The pinch roller 16c on the upstream side passes through the bag making device 15 and sandwiches the polymerized portion of both side edge portions 5a of the strip-shaped film 5 formed in a cylindrical shape from both sides thereof with a predetermined force and rotates. , The strip-shaped film 5 is pulled out while being given a predetermined tension, and is sent to the Versila 16a. The Versila 16a heats both side edge portions 5a to pass through. The pinch roller 16b on the downstream side rotates with the polymerized portions of both side edge portions 5a of the strip-shaped film 5 sandwiched at a predetermined pressure, pressurizes and seals the heated film portions, and seals the center seal portion. At the same time as forming, a conveying force is given to the strip-shaped film 5.

The outputs of the third drive motor M3 are linked to the pinch rollers 16b and 16c before and after this. The speed control for the third drive motor M3 is executed by the control command output from the control device 40. Basically, it is synchronized with the transport speed of the strip-shaped film 5 that is continuously fed by the film supply device 2 and supplied to the packaging machine main body 1, and rotates at a constant speed at a speed corresponding to the transport speed. Specifically, the transport speed applied by the pinch rollers 16ab and 16c to both side edge portions 5a of the strip-shaped film 5 is the same as or slightly higher than the transport speed of the strip-shaped film 5 by the film supply device 2, and tension is applied to the strip-shaped film. Transport while hanging.

The holding belt 19 is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the upstream side of the top sealing device 20 to prevent the article 3 in the tubular film 14 from being lifted upward so that the article 3 can be conveyed while maintaining a horizontal state.

The top sealing device 20 seals and cuts the tubular film 14 in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the tubular film 14, that is, in a transverse direction. The film portion to be sealed and cut is a predetermined position between the front and rear articles 3. As a result, by passing through the top sealing device 20, the leading portion of the tubular film 14 is separated from the trailing portion, and the package 12 is manufactured.

The top seal device 20 includes a pair of upper rotary shafts 21 and lower rotary shafts 22 arranged one above the other with the tubular film 14 interposed therebetween, an upper top sealer 23 attached to the upper rotary shaft 21, and a lower rotary shaft 22. The lower top sealer 24 attached to is provided. These top sealers have a built-in heater, and the sealing surfaces at the tips of each other are heated to a predetermined temperature. A cutter blade 25 is built in the central portion of the upper top sealer 23 in the front-rear direction on the sealing surface. A receiving blade 26 is built in the central portion of the lower top sealer 24 in the front-rear direction on the sealing surface. The pair of upper rotary shafts 21 and the lower rotary shaft 22 and thus the upper top sealer 23 and the lower top sealer 24 rotate in synchronization, and each rotation causes the sealing surfaces to engage with each other to form a predetermined portion of the tubular film 14 from above and below. Is sandwiched between them, heated and pressurized to heat seal, and cut.

The output of the fourth drive motor M4 is linked to the upper rotary shaft 21 and the lower rotary shaft 22 of the top seal device 20. The speed control for the fourth drive motor M4 is executed by a control command output from the control device 40 based on the detection signal of the mark detector 32. Basically, the strip-shaped film 5 is synchronized with the transport speed of the strip-shaped film 5 supplied to the packaging machine main body 1 continuously fed by the film supply device 2, and the strip-shaped film 5 is printed for one pitch (printing of a positioning mark serving as a positioning reference). While advancing (by pitch), the upper rotation shaft 21 and the lower rotation shaft 22 make one rotation. Further, in the present embodiment, since the positioning mark 30 is formed at the cut position of the film in the top sealing device 20, when the positioning mark 30 reaches the top sealing device 20, the upper top sealer 23 and the lower top are formed. The timing is adjusted so that the sealing surfaces at the tips of the sealers 24 sandwich the tubular film 14 from above and below, and at least in the sandwiched section, the sealing surfaces at the tips of the upper top sealer 23 and the lower top sealer 24 rotate. The moving speed in the direction is controlled to be equal to the transport speed of the tubular film 14. By controlling the operation of the top seal device so that the top sealers in the top seal device come into contact with each other to sandwich and cut the film in this way, the top seal device suppresses the biting of the product, which is desired in the package. The design will be positioned at the position.

The control to the fourth drive motor M4 in the control device 40 for aligning the upper top sealer 23 and the lower top sealer 24 with the cut position of the tubular film 14 and sandwiching the tubular film 14 is as follows. do. The moving distance of the film from the installation position of the mark detector 32 to the top sealing device 20 is fixed and known in advance, and the transport speed of the film is also constant. Therefore, for example, assuming that the mark pitch, which is the distance before and after the positioning mark 30 printed on the strip film 5, reaches the top seal device in the same state as when detected by the mark detector 32, the mark detector 32 is positioned. The time t1 required from the detection of the mark 30 to the positioning mark 30 reaching the top seal device 20 is obtained by "moving distance / transport speed".

Actually, the strip-shaped film 5 and the tubular film 14 which is made into a tubular shape and has a center seal are conveyed while being pulled under a certain tension, so that the film has a predetermined elongation rate. The mark pitch P1 when the film is stretched and actually reaches the top seal device 20 is longer than the mark pitch P0 detected by the mark detector 32. Therefore, the time required for the positioning mark 30 that has passed the installation position of the mark detector 32 to reach the top seal device 20 is faster than the time t1 determined by the above-mentioned "moving distance / speed". In particular, when the installation position of the mark detector 32 is on the upstream side as in the film supply device 2 as in the present embodiment, the moving distance from the installation position of the mark detector 32 to the top seal device 20 is long, and the film is stretched. The effect of the rate cannot be ignored.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a correction value in consideration of the elongation rate is initially set during operation, and the control device 40 controls the fourth drive motor M4 in consideration of the correction value. The initial setting of the correction value is, for example, assuming that the elongation rate is zero, and when the time t1 has elapsed since the mark detector 32 detects the positioning mark 30, the top seal device 20 seals the tubular film 14. -Cut to manufacture the package. In this way, for example, a predetermined number of packages 12 are actually manufactured, the user measures and obtains the amount of deviation of the print pattern (design) 35 in the package 12 from the regular position, and a correction value is obtained based on the deviation amount. To decide. The deviation amount may be, for example, a distance displaced forward in the traveling direction, and the correction value based on the deviation amount may be, for example, the same value as the deviation amount.

The control device 40 is, for example, a time obtained by dividing the film transport speed into a value obtained by subtracting a correction value from the “movement distance” of the film to the top seal device 20 from the installation position of the mark detector 32 described above. It is preferable to control the sealing surfaces of the upper top sealer 23 and the lower top sealer 24 so as to sandwich the tubular film 14 from above and below and seal / cut at the timing of t1.

In this way, the control device 40 executes control of the top seal device 20 in consideration of the elongation rate of the film, seals and cuts the positioning mark 30 at the timing when the positioning mark 30 reaches the top seal device 20, and prints a pattern (design). A package 12 in which 35 is in the proper position is manufactured. Assuming that the elongation rate of the film is constant, the control device 40 controls the film in consideration of the initial correction value based on the output from the mark detector 32, so that the print pattern is provided at an appropriate position. The package can be manufactured.

However, in reality, the elongation rate of the film expands and contracts due to the tension of the film, and the elongation becomes longer as the winding diameter becomes smaller. Therefore, the elongation rate fluctuates as the packaging machine operates, and if the initial correction value is controlled, the print pattern (design) gradually shifts from the appropriate position of the package, and finally the position shifts even visually. An understandable package is manufactured.

In addition, a normal wrapping machine provides a spare raw fabric roll, and when the supply of the strip-shaped film from the raw fabric roll currently in use is terminated, the strip-shaped film of the spare raw fabric roll is automatically applied to the end of the strip-shaped film. It has a function to connect the tips of the films and continue to supply the strip-shaped film as it is. In some cases, one original roll is formed by connecting the tip of another strip film to the rear end of the preceding strip-shaped film with a film. The quality of the film, that is, the elongation rate, may differ between the front strip film and the rear strip film at the jointed seams. For example, if the distance between marks is 0.5 mm for the previous film due to tension and 0.4 mm for the subsequent film, there is a difference of 0.1 mm per mark pitch. It can be said that a slight difference of about 0.1 mm is a slight difference, but for example, after the positioning mark 30 at the head of the seam portion is detected by the mark detector 32, the portion of the positioning mark 30 reaches the top seal device 20 with an N pitch. After moving by a minute, a cumulative error of N × 0.1 mm occurs when the portion of the positioning mark 30 is sealed and cut by the top sealing device 20. Therefore, for example, if N is 10, the deviation will be 1 mm, and if N is 20, the deviation will be 2 mm. Furthermore, if the packaging machine continues to operate in that state, errors will accumulate further, and the appearance of the product will be recognizable.

Therefore, the present embodiment is provided with a function of detecting and correcting a change in the elongation rate that occurs with operation. Specifically, an image inspection device 34 is provided on the downstream side of the top seal device 20. The image inspection device 34 is a camera 34a manufactured by the top seal device 20 and captures the entire upper surface of the package 12 separated from the subsequent tubular film 14, and an image process for image processing the image captured by the camera 34a. A device 34b and an image trigger sensor 34c for determining the timing of capturing an image captured by the camera 34a are provided. The image trigger sensor 34c is, for example, a sensor that detects the front end edge of the package 12 moving on the carry-out conveyor 18 in the traveling direction. Based on information such as the transport speed of the carry-out conveyor 18 and the total length of the package 12, the image trigger sensor 34c detects the front end edge, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the shutter of the camera 34a is released to take an image. Is controlled to be input to the image processing device 34b. The predetermined time may be the elapsed time from the detection to the timing when the entire package 12 enters the shooting range of the camera 34a.

The image processing device 34b measures the distance from the end portion 12a of the package 12 to the design, and outputs the measurement result to the control device 40. Specifically, the distance d from the end portion 12a of the package 12 to the reference point 39 for specifying the position of the symbol is measured. The reference point 39 can be a mark 36, a character 37, a background pattern 38, or any other place, but the character 37 may be used because the position can be easily recognized and specified. Further, when there are a plurality of characters, it is preferable that they are located away from the end portion 12a.

The control device 40 acquires the distance d from the image inspection device 34 to the reference point 39, and obtains the distance d.
Compared with the reference distance d0 of the non-defective product set in advance, the difference Δd is obtained (see FIG. 5), and the film feed amount is feedback-controlled. Specifically, the correction is performed so as to shift to the opposite side by the same distance as the obtained difference Δd. That is, for example, the correction value = the current correction value −Δd is obtained, and the control of the top seal device 20 for the fourth drive motor M4 in the next cycle is performed based on the updated correction value. Such processing is performed every cycle every time the package is manufactured.

The control system that performs the above processing may have the configuration shown in FIG. 3, for example. As shown in the figure, the outputs of the mark detector 32 and the image inspection device 34 are input to the control unit 41 of the control device 40. The control device 40 is composed of, for example, a high-speed PLC. The control device 40 includes a control unit 41 that controls various controls and various storage means. In the present embodiment, the storage means includes a work memory 42 that temporarily stores acquired information, calculation results, and the like, a reference data storage unit 44 that stores reference data for control, and the like. Further, a programmable display 45 is connected to the control unit 41. The programmable display 45 includes a touch panel, a function as an input device, a liquid crystal display, and the like, and has a function as an output device.

At the start of operation, the user operates the programmable display 45 to check the mark pitch P0, the number of products manufactured per unit time, the distance from the installation position of the mark detector 32 to the top seal device 20, and the packaging of non-defective products. The reference data for manufacturing the package such as the reference distance d0 from the end to the reference point is input. The control unit 41 stores the input data in the reference data storage unit 44. The control unit 41 may have a function of obtaining a necessary control value based on the input data and storing the obtained control value in the reference data storage unit 44. The control value includes, for example, a film transfer speed obtained from the mark pitch and the number of manufactured sheets per unit time, a command value to each drive motor based on the obtained transfer speed, and the like.

Further, the correction value of the initial setting based on the package manufactured by executing the normal operation is input by operating the programmable display 45, and the input correction value is stored in, for example, the work memory 42. Based on the detection signal from the mark detector 32, the control unit 41 obtains a command value for each drive motor based on the reference data stored in the reference data storage unit 44 and the correction value stored in the work memory 42, and each Controls the drive motor. Further, the control unit 41 obtains a difference from the distance d to the symbol in the package given from the image inspection device 34 and the reference distance d0 stored in the reference data storage unit 44, and updates the correction value.

For example, in a conventional packaging machine, for example, when an article is caught in a top seal portion, it is disposed of as a defective product, but as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a printing pattern (design) is used. Even if this part gets into the top seal part 12b, it is treated as a good product because there is no biting. On the other hand, with the recent improvement and change in consumer awareness, we also emphasize the appearance and appearance of the package, and regardless of whether the article is bitten or not, the print pattern (design) is printed even if it is not bitten. If the portion enters the top seal portion 12b, or even if the portion does not enter the top seal portion 12b, if there is a printing deviation of a certain amount or more from the regular position, the commercial value may decrease as a consumer sentiment. In the present embodiment, the package in which the printing misalignment occurs is also regarded as a defective product, and it is possible to deal with a package that is not shipped.

That is, for example, when the product is judged to be defective when the printed pattern (design) enters the top seal portion 12b, in the present embodiment, the package is manufactured regardless of whether or not it actually enters the top seal portion. Each time, the distance from the end of the package to the reference point is calculated, the correction value is calculated based on the difference from the reference distance, and feedback control is performed. It is preferable because the occurrence of the above can be suppressed as much as possible.

Further, for example, when the seam portion of the film passes through the mark detector 32, if the elongation ratio of the film is different before and after the seam portion, the seam portion becomes the top seal device 20 unless the correction of the present embodiment is performed. Cumulative error due to the difference in elongation rate accumulates up to that point, but in the present embodiment, after the seam portion passes through the mark detector 32, for example, when the mark pitch advances by one, the package is manufactured. Feedback control is performed based on the captured image. Therefore, if the position of the print pattern shifts due to the difference in elongation rate, it is immediately corrected from the next cycle, so that cumulative error does not accumulate and a good product package in which the reference point is always near the good product position is manufactured. Will be done.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the image inspection device 34 is arranged on the downstream side of the top seal device 20, an image of the package to be manufactured is taken, the misalignment of printing on the package is directly detected, and feedback control is performed based on the image. Therefore, it is good because accurate correction and control can be performed. On the other hand, for example, when considering arranging the image inspection device 34 on the upstream side of the top seal device 20, it is difficult to arrange it in the first place because the holding belt 19 exists immediately before the top seal device 20, and it is tentatively arranged. Even if this is the case, the surface of the tubular film 14 will be photographed, so for example, when the film is sealed and cut, the film will be wrinkled and it will not be possible to photograph clearly, which is appropriate in relation to the final package. It is difficult to determine whether it is printed at the position. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the package is independently in a stable state as an inspection target, the printing position can be accurately determined.

In the above-described embodiment, the user operates the programmable display 45 to input the initial setting of the correction value. For example, the package manufactured prior to the start of operation is photographed by the image inspection device 34 and the image inspection device 34 thereof is used. It is more preferable to have a function to set based on the captured image data. For example, the captured image data is displayed on the programmable display 45 and designated by touching or the like corresponding to the reference point in the marked image, or a portion that becomes the reference point in advance on the image inspection device 34 (FIG. 4). In the example, the first letter "O") is set, and the distance from the end to the reference point is measured and output. In this way, the control unit 41 may obtain a correction value based on the average distance of one or a plurality of packages, and store the obtained correction value in the work memory 42.

In addition, image data taken every cycle during actual driving and the distance to the reference point 39 can be displayed on the programmable display 45 in real time, or recorded as logging data so that they can be read out and confirmed later. good.

In the above-described embodiment, the top sealing device 20 is formed by integrally forming the sealing device and the cutter device, but may be configured by another device. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the film transport speed is kept constant and the operation of the top seal device 20 is controlled based on the result of image processing, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the film transport speed is not limited to this. May be changed. However, it is better to keep the film transport speed constant as in the embodiment because the control is easy and the operation / operation of the packaging machine becomes smooth.

In the above-described embodiment, the camera 34a captures the entire package 12, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the camera 34a is the distance between the periphery of the reference point 39 and the reference point 39. A part of the upper surface of the package 12 including the end portion specifying d may be photographed. In particular, when the correction of the cut position is performed every cycle for the package immediately after being carried out from the top seal device as in the above-described embodiment, the amount of deviation of the cut position is performed. Is small, so even if a part of the package is photographed, it is less likely that the reference point 39 is located outside the photographing area and the distance d cannot be measured.

In addition, it is preferable to have a function of switching between shooting the whole or shooting a part, and switching the range when shooting a part by setting. Furthermore, it may be switched according to the amount of deviation during operation.

In the above-described embodiment, an example applied to the pillow wrapping machine is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to, for example, a four-way seal wrapping machine, a deep drawing wrapping machine, or the like. It is advisable to take a picture of the package while transporting it horizontally.

Although various aspects of the present invention have been described above with reference to embodiments and modifications, these embodiments and explanations have not been made for the purpose of limiting the scope of the present invention, and are intended for understanding the present invention. It should be added that it was provided to contribute. The scope of the invention is not limited to the configurations and manufacturing methods expressly described herein, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the invention disclosed herein. Of the present invention, the configuration for which a patent is sought is specified in the appended claims, but even if the configuration is not currently specified in the claims, it is disclosed in the present specification. I would like to mention that there is a possibility of claiming a patent for this configuration in the future.

1: Packaging machine body 2: Film supply device 3: Article 4: Article transport supply device 5: Strip-shaped film 5a: Both end edges 6: Original roll 12: Package 14: Cylindrical film 15: Bag making machine 16: Center seal device 20: Top seal device 23: Upper top sealer 24: Lower top sealer 30: Positioning mark 32: Mark detector 34: Image inspection device 39: Reference point 40: Control device M1: First drive motor M2: Second drive motor M3: Third drive motor M4: Fourth drive motor

Claims (5)

A means of wrapping an article with a strip-shaped wrapping film that is continuously transported,
A top sealing device for manufacturing a package by sealing and cutting in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the wrapped packaging film is provided.
The packaging film is provided with a print pattern at predetermined intervals on a film portion other than the top seal portion to be sealed by the top seal device.
Based on the position of the print pattern of the package in the image data obtained by photographing the package manufactured by sealing and cutting, the package manufactured by sealing and cutting after the photographed package. A packaging machine having a function of correcting the cut position at the time of sealing and cutting so that the printed pattern comes to a predetermined position of the package when the body is manufactured . The correction for the cut position is described in claim 1, wherein the amount of deviation of the print pattern from the reference position is obtained, and the cut position is shifted to the opposite side by the same distance as the obtained amount of deviation. Packaging machine. The packaging machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the correction of the cut position is performed every cycle for the package immediately after being carried out from the top seal device. A positioning mark different from the printing pattern is printed on the wrapping film at predetermined intervals.
It has a function to control the cut position based on the positioning mark.
The packaging machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cut position is corrected based on the image data with respect to the control of the cut position. The process of wrapping an article with a strip-shaped wrapping film provided with print patterns at predetermined intervals, and
A process of manufacturing a package by sealing and cutting in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the wrapped packaging film.
Equipped with
The print pattern is provided on a film portion other than the top seal portion to be sealed when the seal is cut.
Based on the position of the print pattern of the package in the image data obtained by photographing the package manufactured by sealing and cutting, the package manufactured by sealing and cutting after the photographed package. A packaging method comprising correcting the cut position at the time of sealing and cutting so that the print pattern comes to a predetermined position of the package when the body is manufactured .

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